Match Preview: Seattle Sounders FC vs. New York Red Bulls

The New York Red Bulls travel west to take on the Seattle Sounders, a team fighting for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. With 46 points, and tied for 2nd place in the Western Conference, the Sounders will be hungry for a win after a disappointing loss to the Colorado Rapids, during the international break.

The Red Bulls currently have 41 points, 6th in the Eastern Conference, and are fighting for their playoff lives. They are coming off back to back losses against New York City FC and the Colorado Rapids. They need to bounce back, and rather quickly, from the disheartening display of their last match to ensure they make the playoffs.

Players to Watch

Daniel Royer, Josh Sims (NY)

With 9 goals and 7 assists this season, the Austrian midfielder is a force to be reckon with. Alongside Royer will also be Josh Sims, who is eager to play, and score, during his short tenure with the Red Bulls. If these two can find some chemistry between them, it can prove to be a powerful goal scoring force. Royer can lead the way, and Sims can follow, hopefully bringing the win they so desperately need.

Raúl Ruidíaz, Nicolás Lodeiro, Jordan Morris (SEA)

Ruidiaz leads the Sounders with 11 goals and 2 assists this season. Lodeiro alongside him also has 5 goals and 7 assists. Jordan Morris not only scored the tying goal for the U.S. Men’s National Team friendly against Uruguay on Tuesday, he also manages to have 8 goals and 5 assists this season. These 3 together have proven to be an impactful force that have led Seattle to 3rd place in the Western Conference. If the Red Bulls can possibly stop these 3, there is a good chance they can take the win and bring it back home to Harrison.

Match Outlook

With 5 games left in the season, the Red Bulls need a statement win so they can ride the momentum into Portland 3 days later. Their are only 15 points remaining this season, and none can be left behind.

For Seattle, the importance of this game is to solidify as much home field advantage as they can for the playoffs.

With so much on the line for both teams, the fight is inevitable. We will see who comes out on top this coming Sunday.